Latest news with #medicaluse
Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Turkey Legalizes Medical Cannabis Sales In Pharmacies
A technician inspects the leaves of cannabis plants growing inside a controlled environment in North ... More Macedonia. Photographer: Konstantinos Tsakalidis/Bloomberg Turkey has passed a landmark bill that legalizes the sale of cannabis products for medical use in pharmacies, marking a step forward in expanding patient access to such treatment. The Turkish Parliament this week approved a bill that allows the sale of cannabis-based products in pharmacies with a prescription. The bill, introduced by the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, published in the Official Gazette yesterday, regulates access to medical cannabis products that are non-intoxicating and low in THC, such as those containing CBD. It amended a number of laws, including the narcotics law and regulations related to pharmacies and shops that sell poisonous or effective chemical substances. These regulations reportedly aim to meet healthcare needs through domestic production, reduce dependence on imports, and prevent the use of unregistered products. The changes, therefore, are expected to boost the legal production of low-THC medical cannabis in Turkey. Under the new rules, the cultivation of medical cannabis will be supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, while processing, export, licensing, registration, and authorization for sale will fall under the oversight of the Ministry of Health. By amending the narcotics law, medical cannabis products will now be available through pharmacies. Furthermore, each product will be tracked from production or import all the way to patient use through a centralized tracking system designed to block counterfeit, smuggled, or unauthorized products from entering the legal market. The law limits medical cannabis sales to pharmacies in order to block access through unregulated retail and online markets, with the aim to protect public health and ensure product safety. Concerns Over Medical Cannabis Bill Before the bill became law, the Turkish Medical Association (TTB) criticized the proposed cannabis regulation, arguing that there is not enough scientific evidence to support the medical benefits of cannabis and warned that its widespread use could lead to serious physical and mental health risks. In December 2020, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the United Nations' drug policy-making body, reclassified cannabis and cannabis resin under an international category that acknowledges their medical value. The association also urged lawmakers to remove the cannabis-related measures from the bill, which has also faced criticism from members of some opposition parties. While the new law will allow people to purchase low-THC medical cannabis products from pharmacies, easing access for treatment, cannabis remains illegal in Turkey for recreational use. In 2016, legislation allowed the use of sublingual cannabinoid medications, such as Sativex, with a doctor's prescription. The new law, however, is expected to make it easier for medical cannabis patients to obtain cannabis products from pharmacies with a prescription. This reform is also viewed as a significant step toward supporting Turkey's entry into the cannabis-based product market and boosting its international competitiveness. Turkey is, in fact, not new to cannabis cultivation, particularly hemp, which is legal in several provinces for medical and scientific purposes. According to data from TurkStat, compiled by the state-run Anadolu news agency, Turkey's cannabis seed production surged about 70% year-on-year in 2024, reaching 556 tons, up from 273 tons in 2020. Turkey now joins other European countries where medical cannabis is legal, such as Italy and Germany, which, however, allow products with higher levels of THC. Ukraine has also recently legalized medical cannabis.
Wall Street Journal
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Legal Marijuana's Disastrous Legacy
Whether to loosen the government's ultratight controls on marijuana is among the matters President Trump inherited from Joe Biden. Under law, marijuana is a Schedule I substance, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Mr. Biden initiated a process to move pot to Schedule III, thereby labeling it a medicine with only moderate abuse potential. Mr. Trump must decide whether to move ahead with the change.
CNN
29-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Thailand was the first country in Asia to legalize marijuana. Things didn't go as planned
CNN — Three years since Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, the government this week imposed new rules designed to rein in the country's ' green rush.' As of Thursday, customers need a doctor's prescription to buy cannabis — effectively restricting consumption of the plant to medical and health purposes only. Thailand's public health minister told CNN on Wednesday he hopes to eventually recriminalize cannabis as a narcotic, in what would be a major reversal from Thailand's liberal approach since declassification, which saw a boom of dispensaries and weed cafes opening across the country, particularly in tourist areas. 'This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,' Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin told CNN. Medical certificates and a ban on advertising The new rules from Thailand's Health Ministry aim to enforce the regulation of cannabis as a controlled herb. That means licensed cannabis shops can now only sell to customers with a medical prescription. They are also required to keep detailed sales records and face regular inspections by authorities, Somsak said. New rules also put stricter controls on growers and farmers, ban commercial advertising and prohibit cannabis from being sold in vending machines or online. More than 18,000 licensed cannabis shops across the country will have to adapt or risk closing. Penalties for sellers caught violating the new rules include up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht ($620), though the health ministry is proposing new legislation that would significantly increase this. The ban on advertising may also dramatically change the landscape of tourist hotspots such as Khao San Road in the capital Bangkok, or beach towns like Pattaya, where hundreds of cannabis shops and cafes line the streets with their green neon signs, cannabis-shaped inflatables and catchy slogans enticing tourists to get high. Now, tourists and locals will need a doctor's certificate from Thailand or their home country to purchase cannabis buds to treat certain conditions such as nausea from chemotherapy, drug-resistant epilepsy or nerve pain. 'We want to tell tourists they are welcome to enjoy Thailand's culture and nature — but Thailand should not be seen as a destination for recreational cannabis use,' Somsak said. Why have the new rules been introduced? Medical marijuana has been legal in Thailand since 2018, but decriminalization in 2022 meant it was no longer a crime to grow and trade marijuana or hemp products, or to use any parts of the plant to treat illnesses — a major move in a region notorious for harsh penalties towards illegal drugs. Following legalization, the government intended to regulate the industry. But a legal vacuum emerged when this failed to materialize, and recreational use exploded across the kingdom, particularly in areas popular with foreigners. Thousands of cannabis dispensaries sprang up, as well as other cannabis-themed businesses like weed cafes, hemp spas and places offering beauty treatments. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have even held weed festivals, and decriminalization has been a major draw for tourists. One such festival in Bangkok earlier this month boasted an appearance by Mike Tyson, who has launched his own brand of boxing glove- and ear-shaped cannabis gummies. A 2022 report released by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce estimated the industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though Somsak said there is currently 'no clear estimate' of the industry's value 'due to unregulated transactions.' Somsak said the new rules help plug that legal vacuum and prevent misuse. 'We are not shutting down cannabis shops, but we are prioritizing medical regulation,' he said. 'Revenue may dip at first, but considering the social harm caused by unregulated use, the change is necessary … responsible, law-abiding businesses will remain stable and continue operating.' Social impacts and smuggling Those in support of greater regulation say the industry has grown out of control, and cited health concerns, cannabis use among children, and addiction, while complaints of tourists smoking in the street are reportedly growing on the Thai islands. On the holiday island of Phuket, a plan has been proposed that would establish zones restricting where cannabis could be bought and sold. 'Right now, cannabis addiction is rising and has become a social issue. It affects children, causes nuisance from unwanted odors,' said Somsak. 'Public safety must come first… the current cannabis industry is made up of scattered, unregulated shops.' Adding to the issue, cannabis smuggling has soared since legalization. Several high-profile cases involving young, British women have made headlines this year, all originating in Thailand. The issue got so bad that British and Thai authorities formed a joint task force to halt the increase in drugs being smuggled out by tourists and by mail from Thailand to the UK, with Thailand enforcing stricter screening measures at its borders. Between October 2024 and March 2025, more than 800 cannabis smugglers were arrested and over nine metric tons of cannabis were seized, according to the British government. Disrupting the industry Cannabis advocates have argued that the boom across Thailand has helped many Thais, from farmers to small business owners and workers behind the counter. Some sellers are now scrambling to understand what the new regulations will mean for their business. 'The lack of clarity in the law has already caused worry,' said Ake Khattiyadamrong, a cannabis shop owner in eastern Thailand's Chonburi province. 'It's a real shame — Thailand was actually one of the first countries in the world to recognize the benefits of cannabis and legalize it. But once it was legalized, state officials failed to follow through. 'There was no real effort to educate the public. The ministerial regulations that were issued weren't seriously enforced either.' Cannabis advocates say the new regulations won't stop smuggling or unlicensed growers, and risk driving up corruption. 'This is a knee-jerk reaction to supposedly addressing the smuggling issue,' said Kitty Chopaka, a longtime cannabis activist with the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network advocacy group, which pushes for fair access. Chopaka argues that many shops are operating without licenses and sell products such as gummies and edibles that are technically illegal though readily available. 'The police don't shut them down,' she said. If the government enforced the 'rules and laws that currently exist, the issue that they are now saying needs to be fixed wouldn't have existed,' she added. Ake, the shop owner, said requiring a doctor's note to purchase cannabis will not stop people from buying for recreational purposes. 'Everyone knows medical certificates can be bought, so this just creates a new revenue stream for certain doctors … It burdens consumers with extra costs for accessing cannabis, especially during Thailand's current economic struggles and global economic issues,' he said. Ake welcomes regulations that create stability in the industry but wants to see clear, well-rounded laws that are fair to everyone. 'Everything must be traceable and truly safe. I believe that's the core principle. It's not about selling cheap, illegal products. Those can't guarantee user safety,' he said. Since legalization, overproduction of cannabis has saturated the market and driven down prices so cannabis sellers were already taking a hit to their earnings. 'There's not enough sales, the cost of weed is very cheap, and people who live here buy directly from the farms,' said Chopaka, who recently had to close her shop due to low prices and undercutting from bigger sellers. There have been several attempts to pass legislation regulating the cannabis industry. The ruling Pheu Thai Party proposed criminalizing the drug again last year but faced opposition from its coalition partner the Bhumjaithai Party, which spearheaded the original legalization. The latest push from Somsak comes after Bhumjaithai pulled out of the coalition government last week. He said the new regulations are just a first step — but acknowledged getting a bill through parliament will take time. 'This isn't a fixed policy that can't be changed,' he said. 'Without legal control, investment or business operations — no matter the country — must be cautious. If the investment is related to narcotics or controlled substances, there must be clear laws.' But Chopaka fears the new regulations will only make it harder for the smaller farmers to survive. 'I want to see fair access. I want to see rules that make sense,' she said.
CNN
28-06-2025
- Health
- CNN
Chronic pains: It just got harder for tourists to legally buy cannabis in Thailand
Three years since Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize cannabis, the government this week imposed new rules designed to rein in the country's 'green rush.' As of Thursday, customers need a doctor's prescription to buy cannabis — effectively restricting consumption of the plant to medical and health purposes only. Thailand's public health minister told CNN on Wednesday he hopes to eventually recriminalize cannabis as a narcotic, in what would be a major reversal from Thailand's liberal approach since declassification, which saw a boom of dispensaries and weed cafes opening across the country, particularly in tourist areas. 'This must be clearly understood: cannabis is permitted for medical use only,' Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin told CNN. The new rules from Thailand's Health Ministry aim to enforce the regulation of cannabis as a controlled herb. That means licensed cannabis shops can now only sell to customers with a medical prescription. They are also required to keep detailed sales records and face regular inspections by authorities, Somsak said. New rules also put stricter controls on growers and farmers, ban commercial advertising and prohibit cannabis from being sold in vending machines or online. More than 18,000 licensed cannabis shops across the country will have to adapt or risk closing. Penalties for sellers caught violating the new rules include up to one year in prison or a fine of 20,000 baht ($620), though the health ministry is proposing new legislation that would significantly increase this. The ban on advertising may also dramatically change the landscape of tourist hotspots such as Khao San Road in the capital Bangkok, or beach towns like Pattaya, where hundreds of cannabis shops and cafes line the streets with their green neon signs, cannabis-shaped inflatables and catchy slogans enticing tourists to get high. Now, tourists and locals will need a doctor's certificate from Thailand or their home country to purchase cannabis buds to treat certain conditions such as nausea from chemotherapy, drug-resistant epilepsy or nerve pain. 'We want to tell tourists they are welcome to enjoy Thailand's culture and nature — but Thailand should not be seen as a destination for recreational cannabis use,' Somsak said. Medical marijuana has been legal in Thailand since 2018, but decriminalization in 2022 meant it was no longer a crime to grow and trade marijuana or hemp products, or to use any parts of the plant to treat illnesses — a major move in a region notorious for harsh penalties towards illegal drugs. Following legalization, the government intended to regulate the industry. But a legal vacuum emerged when this failed to materialize, and recreational use exploded across the kingdom, particularly in areas popular with foreigners. Thousands of cannabis dispensaries sprang up, as well as other cannabis-themed businesses like weed cafes, hemp spas and places offering beauty treatments. Cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok have even held weed festivals, and decriminalization has been a major draw for tourists. One such festival in Bangkok earlier this month boasted an appearance by Mike Tyson, who has launched his own brand of boxing glove- and ear-shaped cannabis gummies. A 2022 report released by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce estimated the industry could be worth $1.2 billion by 2025, though Somsak said there is currently 'no clear estimate' of the industry's value 'due to unregulated transactions.' Somsak said the new rules help plug that legal vacuum and prevent misuse. 'We are not shutting down cannabis shops, but we are prioritizing medical regulation,' he said. 'Revenue may dip at first, but considering the social harm caused by unregulated use, the change is necessary … responsible, law-abiding businesses will remain stable and continue operating.' Those in support of greater regulation say the industry has grown out of control, and cited health concerns, cannabis use among children, and addiction, while complaints of tourists smoking in the street are reportedly growing on the Thai islands. On the holiday island of Phuket, a plan has been proposed that would establish zones restricting where cannabis could be bought and sold. 'Right now, cannabis addiction is rising and has become a social issue. It affects children, causes nuisance from unwanted odors,' said Somsak. 'Public safety must come first… the current cannabis industry is made up of scattered, unregulated shops.' Adding to the issue, cannabis smuggling has soared since legalization. Several high-profile cases involving young, British women have made headlines this year, all originating in Thailand. The issue got so bad that British and Thai authorities formed a joint task force to halt the increase in drugs being smuggled out by tourists and by mail from Thailand to the UK, with Thailand enforcing stricter screening measures at its borders. Between October 2024 and March 2025, more than 800 cannabis smugglers were arrested and over nine metric tons of cannabis were seized, according to the British government. Cannabis advocates have argued that the boom across Thailand has helped many Thais, from farmers to small business owners and workers behind the counter. Some sellers are now scrambling to understand what the new regulations will mean for their business. 'The lack of clarity in the law has already caused worry,' said Ake Khattiyadamrong, a cannabis shop owner in eastern Thailand's Chonburi province. 'It's a real shame — Thailand was actually one of the first countries in the world to recognize the benefits of cannabis and legalize it. But once it was legalized, state officials failed to follow through. 'There was no real effort to educate the public. The ministerial regulations that were issued weren't seriously enforced either.' Cannabis advocates say the new regulations won't stop smuggling or unlicensed growers, and risk driving up corruption. 'This is a knee-jerk reaction to supposedly addressing the smuggling issue,' said Kitty Chopaka, a longtime cannabis activist with the Writing Thailand's Cannabis Future Network advocacy group, which pushes for fair access. Chopaka argues that many shops are operating without licenses and sell products such as gummies and edibles that are technically illegal though readily available. 'The police don't shut them down,' she said. If the government enforced the 'rules and laws that currently exist, the issue that they are now saying needs to be fixed wouldn't have existed,' she added. Ake, the shop owner, said requiring a doctor's note to purchase cannabis will not stop people from buying for recreational purposes. 'Everyone knows medical certificates can be bought, so this just creates a new revenue stream for certain doctors … It burdens consumers with extra costs for accessing cannabis, especially during Thailand's current economic struggles and global economic issues,' he said. Ake welcomes regulations that create stability in the industry but wants to see clear, well-rounded laws that are fair to everyone. 'Everything must be traceable and truly safe. I believe that's the core principle. It's not about selling cheap, illegal products. Those can't guarantee user safety,' he said. Since legalization, overproduction of cannabis has saturated the market and driven down prices so cannabis sellers were already taking a hit to their earnings. 'There's not enough sales, the cost of weed is very cheap, and people who live here buy directly from the farms,' said Chopaka, who recently had to close her shop due to low prices and undercutting from bigger sellers. There have been several attempts to pass legislation regulating the cannabis industry. The ruling Pheu Thai Party proposed criminalizing the drug again last year but faced opposition from its coalition partner the Bhumjaithai Party, which spearheaded the original legalization. The latest push from Somsak comes after Bhumjaithai pulled out of the coalition government last week. He said the new regulations are just a first step — but acknowledged getting a bill through parliament will take time. 'This isn't a fixed policy that can't be changed,' he said. 'Without legal control, investment or business operations — no matter the country — must be cautious. If the investment is related to narcotics or controlled substances, there must be clear laws.' But Chopaka fears the new regulations will only make it harder for the smaller farmers to survive. 'I want to see fair access. I want to see rules that make sense,' she said.
Al Arabiya
27-06-2025
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Thailand Starts Banning the Sale of Cannabis Without a Prescription
Thailand has started banning the sale of cannabis to those without a prescription, three years after becoming the first country in Asia to decriminalize the plant. The new order, signed by Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin earlier this week, came into effect Thursday after it was published in the Royal Gazette. It bans shops from selling cannabis to customers without a prescription and reclassifies cannabis buds as a controlled herb. A violation could result in a maximum one-year jail term and a 20,000-baht ($614) fine, according to the order. The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, in charge of enforcing regulations related to cannabis, held a meeting Friday with officials across the country to prepare them for the change. The move to decriminalize in 2022 had boosted Thailand's tourism and farming industries and spawned thousands of shops. But the country has faced public backlash over allegations that a lack of regulation made the drug available to children and caused addiction. Treechada Srithada, spokesperson for the Health Ministry, said in a statement Thursday that cannabis use in Thailand would become fully for medical purposes. She said shops that violate the order will be closed, and the ministry will also tighten requirements for approval of a new license in the future. She said there are currently 18,000 shops that hold a license to sell cannabis. The ruling Pheu Thai Party previously promised to criminalize the drug again but faced strong resistance from its former partner in the coalition government, the Bhumjaithai Party, which supported decriminalization. Bhumjaithai quit the coalition last week over a leaked phone call between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. The move to restrict cannabis sales came after officials last month revealed that cannabis smuggling cases involving tourists had soared in recent months. Somsak told reporters Tuesday he would like to relist cannabis as a narcotic in the future. Thailand's Office of the Narcotics Control Board said a study conducted by the agency last year found the number of people addicted to cannabis had spiked significantly after it was decriminalized. A group of cannabis advocates said Wednesday that the change in regulations was politically motivated, and that they will rally at the Health Ministry next month to oppose the change and any attempt to make it a criminal offense again to consume or sell cannabis.
